5 Recommended Outdoor Activities in South West England

When most UK outdoor enthusiasts plan their next adventure, they immediately scroll past South West England to the Lake District, Scottish Highlands, or Peak District. That’s a huge mistake, in my opinion: this stretch of coast and countryside packs in everything from 185-million-year-old Jurassic cliffs to wild moorland, quiet river valleys, and postcard-perfect coastal villages, all without the eye-watering crowds and overpriced accommodation of the more famous UK outdoor hotspots.

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Whether you’re a casual walker who’d rather stop for cream tea than summit a mountain, a water baby who loves wild swimming, or a family looking for low-fuss activities that work for toddlers and teens alike, South West England has you covered. We’ve rounded up the 5 best outdoor experiences the region has to offer, all tested by locals and seasoned travelers who know the best hidden spots to avoid the worst of the tourist traps.

1. Jurassic Coast Coastal Path Walking (Dorset)

Stretching 95 miles from East Devon to East Dorset, the Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its dramatic, fossil-rich cliffs and hidden cove beaches, and walking its trails is the absolute best way to see it. You don’t need to commit to the full route, either: the 3-mile stretch between Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door is manageable for even the most casual walker, with gentle inclines, frequent bench stops, and views of the iconic limestone arch that make for perfect photo ops without the 10-mile hike. For more experienced hikers, longer stretches like the path between Lyme Regis and Charmouth let you hunt for 200-million-year-old ammonite fossils on the beach at low tide.

The path is well-marked and maintained, so you don’t need to be a pro navigator to enjoy it, and there are tiny, family-run cafes dotted along the route serving hot sausage rolls and locally made ice cream if you need a mid-walk energy boost. It’s perfect for solo travelers looking for a low-pressure day out, couples wanting a scenic stroll, or families with older kids who love a bit of fossil hunting along the way.

• Best time to visit: Head here in late May to mid-June or early September, when the summer holiday crowds have thinned out and the coastal paths are still dry enough to walk without sinking into mud. Winter walks are lovely too, but be prepared for high winds and slippery cliff edges if you visit between November and February.
• Booking tip: If you’re planning a multi-day walking trip, book your accommodation in coastal villages like West Lulworth, Swanage, or Lyme Regis at least 6 weeks in advance during school holidays, as the small B&Bs and self-catering cottages in the area sell out months ahead of peak season.

2. Wild Swimming in the River Dart (Devon)

Tucked away in Dartmoor National Park, the River Dart is one of the cleanest, most scenic wild swimming spots in the whole UK, and it’s far less crowded than the famous Cornish surfing beaches just a short drive away. The river is fed by natural springs high up on the moor, so the water stays crisp and clear even in the height of summer, with stretches for every ability: shallow, pebbly banks near Dartmeet are perfect for young kids learning to swim, while the deeper, plunge pools near Newbridge are ideal for more confident swimmers who want a bit of adventure. After your swim, you can wander along the riverbank to hunt for tiny freshwater crabs, or stop at the historic Dartmeet Inn for a hearty pub lunch and local cider.

Most of the access points to the river have free, unofficial parking just a short walk from the water, so you don’t have to pay over the odds for a day out, and there are no entry fees or lifeguards, so it’s perfect for people who want a low-fuss, off-the-beaten-path experience. It’s ideal for families with young kids, solo travelers looking for a quiet dip, or groups of friends who want to spend a lazy summer afternoon picnicking by the water.

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• Best time to visit: Plan your trip between mid-July and late August, when the water temperature is warm enough to swim without a wetsuit. Avoid swimming for 48 hours after heavy rain, as fast-flowing water and debris can make the river unsafe.
• Booking tip: You don’t need to book anything for a casual swim, but if you’re planning to stay overnight in the area, book your cottage or campsite at least 2 months in advance during summer, as Dartmoor’s limited accommodation fills up fast with walkers and outdoor enthusiasts.

3. Cycling the Camel Trail (North Cornwall)

The Camel Trail is a 17-mile, completely traffic-free cycle path that runs along a disused railway line from the fishing town of Padstow to the village of Wenfordbridge, making it one of the most accessible, low-effort outdoor activities in the whole South West. The path is almost entirely flat, with only a few tiny, barely noticeable inclines, so you don’t need to be a fitness fanatic to enjoy it: you can do the full 17 miles in a few hours with plenty of stops, or just cycle the 2-mile stretch from Padstow to Rock if you’re short on time. The trail runs alongside the River Camel for most of its length, so you’ll get views of the estuary, salt marshes, and even the occasional seal bobbing in the water, and there are dozens of tiny villages along the route with cream tea shops, farm stalls selling local strawberries, and dog-friendly pubs if you want to stop for a break.

You don’t need to bring your own bike either: there are dozens of hire shops in Padstow that rent out everything from standard hybrid bikes to electric bikes for people who want an extra boost up the tiny inclines. It’s perfect for families with young kids, casual cyclists who hate grueling hill climbs, or even people who haven’t ridden a bike in years and want a gentle, scenic day out.

• Best time to visit: Head here between May and September, when the wildflowers along the trail are in full bloom and the weather is warm enough to stop for a quick dip in the river if you fancy it. Spring is lovely too, but the path can be a bit muddy after winter rain if you visit before May.
• Booking tip: If you’re hiring bikes in Padstow, book them at least 2 weeks in advance during school holidays and sunny weekends – the popular shops sell out of bikes by 9am on good weather days if you just turn up, and pre-booking usually gets you a 10% discount too.

4. Hiking the Quantock Hills (Somerset)

The Quantock Hills were the first area in the UK to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, back in 1956, and they remain one of the most underrated hiking spots in the whole country, with a fraction of the crowds you’ll find at nearby Exmoor or the Cotswolds. The hills are covered in open moorland, ancient oak woodlands, and grassy ridges, with the highest point, Will’s Neck, offering panoramic views across the Somerset Levels to the Bristol Channel on a clear day. There are trails for every ability: the easy, 2-mile circular walk around Bicknoller Common is flat and well-marked, perfect for families with young kids or people with limited mobility, while the 7-mile ridge walk from Over Stowey to Crowcombe is a bit more challenging and offers incredible views for experienced hikers. You’re likely to spot red deer and buzzards if you keep your eyes peeled, and there are several local farm shops nearby selling cheddar cheese and Somerset cider to refuel after your walk.

The trails are very well signposted, so you don’t need to be an expert navigator to enjoy them, and there are plenty of free car parks at the main access points, so you don’t have to pay a fortune for parking. It’s ideal for solo hikers looking for a quiet day out, families with older kids, or couples who want a scenic, low-crowd walk without the hassle of planning a multi-day trek.

• Best time to visit: Go in late September to mid-October, when the beech trees along the lower trails turn bright gold and red, the summer crowds have gone, and the biting midges that plague the moorland in spring and summer have died off. Winter walks are lovely too, but be prepared for icy paths and high winds if you visit between November and February.
• Booking tip: Pick up a free, detailed trail map from the Quantock Hills AONB visitor centre in Nether Stowey before you head out – mobile signal is non-existent on most of the moorland, so you don’t want to get stuck without a paper map, and the visitor centre staff can give you personalised route recommendations based on your fitness level.

5. Horse Riding on Exmoor (Somerset & Devon Border)

Exmoor National Park is one of the best places in the UK for beginner-friendly horse riding, with dozens of small, family-run stables offering one- to two-hour hacks for people with zero riding experience. You don’t need to have ever sat on a horse before to join in: most stables pair first-time riders with gentle, well-trained Exmoor ponies that are used to nervous beginners, and the guides will walk beside you for the first 15 minutes to make sure you’re comfortable before picking up the pace. The trails take you through heather-covered moorland, along dramatic coastal cliffs with views of the Bristol Channel, and through ancient oak woodlands where you can spot red deer, wild Exmoor ponies, and peregrine falcons if you’re quiet. It’s a really unique way to see parts of the park that are completely inaccessible to walkers and cars, and it’s perfect for couples looking for a unique date day, solo travelers who want a fun, active way to see the park, or families with older kids (most stables have a minimum age of 8) who want to try something a bit different from the usual hiking or cycling trips.

• Best time to visit: Book your hack for late May to mid-June or early September, when the heather is in full bloom in late summer, the midges are far less bothersome than in July, and the weather is mild enough to ride without wearing multiple layers. Avoid riding after heavy rain, as the moorland paths can get very muddy and slippery.
• Booking tip: Book your hack at least 3 days in advance, especially on weekends and during school holidays – the small stables on Exmoor only take 4-6 riders per session, so they sell out fast if you just turn up, and many offer a 10% discount if you book a weekday hack.

At the end of the day, what makes South West England such a special place for outdoor adventures is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously – you don’t need £500 worth of hiking gear, weeks of training, or a perfectly planned itinerary to have a brilliant time. Whether you’re dipping your toes in a quiet river, cycling a flat trail with an ice cream in one hand, or trotting through heather on a horse, the region’s laid-back vibe and stunning, varied landscapes make it the perfect spot for anyone who wants to get outside without the stress of chasing hard summits or beating the crowds at popular UK outdoor spots.